A memorandum of cooperation (MOC) that will turn smaller islands in the Aegean to 'green' islands was signed by the Ministry of Energy & Environment, the French Embassy and six companies at the ministry on Friday.

The agreement essentially sets into motion the "GR-eco" plan, which will provide renewable energy sources for the needs of islands not connected to national power grids.

Chalki island, in the Dodecanese, will be the first of this group of islands to undergo this 'green' transition. The island of Astypalea is a similar unfolding 'green' project, where alternative energy facilities are provided by Volkswagen GMBH.  

Provisions in the agreement for Chalki include:

- A 1 Megawatt photovoltaic park for the island's power requirements

- A donation of e-vehicles for the island's public services by Syggelidis/Citroen Group

- The upgrade of the telecommunications network to 5G by Vodafone Greece, allowing for telemedicine services, for the development of e-learning activities, and for attracting "digital nomad" tourism.

Companies participating in the project also include Public Power Company (PPC), AKUO Energy Greece, OMEXOM/Vinci Enterprises, and ALD Automotive are the companies that participate in the project.

The MOC was signed by French Ambassador Patrick Maisonnave, North Aegean Governor Girgos Chatzimarkou and Chalki Island Mayor Evangelos Fragakis.